Quantification of Several Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Six Cultivars of Brazilian Blueberry

Abstract

The Bioactive composition of blueberries has attracted interest as a potential source of beneficial bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, because the consumption of plant phenolics and others bioactive compounds has been recognized as lowering the risk of aging-associated diseases. Berries such as the Brazilian blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) are increasingly cultivated throughout the world. In Brazil, its cultivation is rather recent and not well- known. However, Brazil has an ideal climate and has a great potential for increasing production. The study aimed to identify and quantify the major bioactive compounds in the skin, pulp and entire fruit of six Brazilian blueberry cultivars belonging to the group Rabbiteye, and to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Determinations of L-ascorbic acid, tocopherols, phenolics, individual carotenoids and antioxidant activity were done. These determinations were made on Powderblue, Briteblue, Bluebelle, Climax, Delite and Woodard cultivars, provided by Embrapa Clima Temperado, Pelotas-RS. The blueberry fruits are rich sources of phenolic compounds but other bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, carotenoids and vitamin C also were found. All phytochemicals analyzed, with the exception of some phenolic acids, were found at high levels in the peels (or skin) of blueberry cultivars tested, due to its function as plant protector, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity of fruit peel.